With summer basically here, I like many, have been scrambling to lose my winter coat. While researching some fun ways (that aren't a boot camp in a random park taught by a "personal trainer") I stumbled upon local Poseidon Stand-Up Paddle Board shop that just moved to Santa Monica from Venice.
Poseidon is owned by Matt and Christian, two brothers who grew up in Malibu, have a passion for the ocean and teaching like-minded individuals. Despite living in Southern California my whole life, I have never surfed. I have horrible balance and enjoy spending my days at the beach in a chair with a beer.
While talking about this upcoming adventure on-air, I invited my co-host Ashleigh along for a good laugh and to help her conquer her fear of sharks. When we arrived at Poseidon, Matt loaded our boards on the roof of the car and gave us a quick, informative lesson on standing, paddling and turning that was so easy to understand I felt like I could paddle to Catalina. Ashleigh and I loaded our boards into Marina Del Rey and began the journey. With Matt's instruction in the shop, we spent three hours on the water, exploring the Marina and getting a core workout unlike anything I've ever done in the gym.
If you're like me and not a surfer with poor balance and two left feet, fear not. The staff at Poseidon teaches that paddle boarding is all about your stance and what muscles you initiate while on the board. Even if you haven't been to the gym in years, this workout can still be doable because, if done correctly, you paddle with common muscles such as your triceps, not your lats.
After our journey in the Marina, Ashleigh and I returned our boards, worked out and both fearless of sharks.
But, it gets better...
After checking out, Matt informed us that all summer long, Poseidon will be hosting paddle board events, most with after parties at a bar. The events this summer range from races to workouts, most with invites to an after party at local Santa Monica bars. Suddenly, it hit me like a ton of bricks. Paddle boarding should be everyone's Summer workout, but only if you enjoy rewarding yourself at the end with nice, cold beer.